Everyone needs to be aware of, and beware of, adulteration and pollution. These twin dangers can harm us.
In the modern era, there is no life without chemicals. But there are many harmful and life-threatening chemicals that need to be kept at a distance. We did some simple and preliminary student projects to verify the presence of adulterants in commonly used items.
It is our general observation that many edible items and drinks sold in small shops and in weekly village markets are adulterated with different materials, often with brilliant colours. Children and elders alike are attracted by colours. These come from colouring materials and dyes. Some of them are carcinogens. Unfortunately, many unpermitted dyes are being used. The addition of unpermitted colours and the presence of permitted colours beyond allowed limits are a cause of concern. Unimaginable levels of materials are added as adulterants without any conscience, simply to make money at the cost our health.
Unless we keep vigil we may fall prey. Road-side eateries are ubiquitous. Passers-by are by and large attracted by the smell emanating from the frying pans. Mouth-watering vada, bajji , bonda , jelebi , red-coloured chilli items and other fried food attract us. Adulterated and unhygienic eatables are served, for which we pay — and may later pay again for our health problems. Not only food substances but also a variety other materials we commonly use are adulterated.
Lack of awareness among the people and neglecting the consequences of eating unhygienic and adulterated foods are major problems. Mere enforcement of law is not sufficient. People must cooperate, be aware of the problems, and protect themselves.
Lifestyle changes over the years have resulted in the evils of adulteration and pollution becoming almost a part of our lives. In our busy and mechanical way of life we are forced to buy many readymade items.
How are we to detect adulterants? Simple tests are available, which can easily be done at home to identify adulteration. As consumers we can select products manufactured by standard and popular firms instead of going for cheap and substandard products. We need to look for FSSAI (Food Safety and Standards Authority of India) certification, or the logo that shows a green-colour square with a green dot inside for certified vegetarian food or a brown-colour square with a brown dot inside for non-vegetarian items printed on the cover of the packets.
Vegetables, fruits and fresh greens may contain excessive quantities of pesticides. Some of the harmful pesticides and insecticides used to protect fruits and vegetables are not removed even by means of boiling. Rubbing with dry cloth and washing thoroughly before using may help reduce their presence in vegetables to some extent.
The presence of harmful chemicals and heavy metals and particulate matter (PM) in the atmosphere also dominate cities and urban areas. Road-side houses are prone to pollution problems, yet for these we pay big money by way of rent or cost. The thick and black exhaust fumes emanating from vehicles on our roads and the smeared particles in the atmosphere, measured by means of particulate matter limits, have been major sources of peril. We are all compelled to inhale the polluted air. The presence of harmful gases such as sulphur dioxide and nitrogen oxides in the atmosphere lead to significant health problems.
Proper planning of travel, avoiding unnecessary movement on busy roads, will help a lot. As much as possible we should prefer living in residential areas away from busy roads. When we avoid using vehicles we help save our environment. The root cause of health problems due to adulteration and pollution can hardly be detected by the affected person or even by a doctor as he or she treats patients.
The ill-effects of adulteration and pollution need to be communicated to students through educational institutions. The public at large must be sensitised properly in order that they may protect themselves.
